Accelerating Social, Academic and Health Equity
Monthly Report to the Community
December 2022
Top right: Board Member Debbie Gotbetter, former Board Member Barbara Shapiro and her husband Ed Shapiro enjoy a Celebration of Gratitude held by two families from Ukraine. Bottom, left to right: An employee from Yale Appliance assists with a boot fitting at distribution event of the Children's Clothing Closet; Board Vice President Allison Kates delivers a Rosh Hashanah meal care package; A former resident of public housing is brought "home" to celebrate her 96th birthday with friends.
Dear Friends:

Winter is finally upon us and as the holiday season quickly approaches, we at JFS have been hard at work collaborating with our community partners to ensure that we are able to respond when our community reaches out for help.

There has been a flurry of activity at the JFS Children’s Clothing Closet located in the Resource Room of the Framingham Public School's Welcome Center in recent weeks as donated clothes and footwear have come in and new boots, jackets and thousands of other items have gone out to young students so their parents could instead buy food and other necessities. One-time contributions from donors such as Sammy Chasen who sponsored the Closet in honor of his Bar Mitzvah and Blue Cross Blue Shield MA, as well as recurring support from Yale Appliance Foundation, Good 360 and Operation Warm have kept the shelves stocked, even as demand goes up with the dropping temperatures.

With Hanukkah and Christmas fast approaching, the team has also been working with the Holiday Dreams Foundation, Operation ELF and many other organizations to collect and distribute holiday gifts so that all children may enjoy the magic of the season. JFS is also collecting donations of new hats, mittens and throw blankets for low-income older adults so they can keep warm during the chilly months ahead. Click here to learn how you can donate.

Our resettlement specialists are also busy and are continuing to receive calls about new arrivals from Ukraine. Over the last year, JFS has provided resettlement services to over 130 war refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan so that families can live safely in our community. This work has only been possible through collaborative partnerships with foundations such as The Shapiro Foundation, the Foundation for MetroWest, the MetroWest Health Foundation and the Sudbury Foundation as well as faith organizations that have stepped up to 'Welcome the Stranger', providing necessary resources and volunteer-power to embrace these families into our caring community. Shown in the image above is a Celebration of Gratitude held by two families supported by JFS and a local synagogue partner to thank you to the community that is helping them. Team members pictured include Board Member Debbie Gotbetter, former Board Member Barbara Shapiro and her husband Ed Shapiro (Barbara and Ed are Co-Trustees of The Shapiro Foundation).

Resettlement often requires that housing be secured and identified as part of this work, as well as within both the Jewish Family Assistance and the Immigrant Family Assistance programs, the need for affordable housing is desperate and immediate. Our teams are working with several clients for whom homelessness is a harsh reality, and the options for these individuals are few and far between. An important partnership in these efforts has been with Chestnut Hill Realty (CHR) and its courageous leader Ed E. Zuker who have come through for clients with housing that will keep families warm and safe as they work towards a better future. 

It is because of Ed E. Zuker's leadership and the support and assistance from the CHR team that they will be honored at the 2023 Seize the Dream gala with the Max Michelson Humanitarian Award. Join us on Thursday May 11th at the Westin Waltham – Special Friend sponsorships (which support JFS’ ability to provide these live-saving services) are available - click to reserve your seats now.  

Assistance to clients is also being made available through a new partnership with 2nd Chance Cars, an organization that connects low-income working adults with affordable vehicles so they can maintain living wage jobs and support their families. Client referrals to the organization are increasing however the number of available vehicles is limited. If you would like to enjoy the tax benefits of donating a car in 2022 while also knowing that your donation will help someone on the path to self-sufficiency, click here to learn more.

JFS is also providing support to older adults living in income-qualified apartments managed by the Framingham Housing Authority. Through this partnership, JFS provides programs that increase access to healthcare, reduce social isolation, and encourage movement. Recently, program staff worked with residents who brought a former resident “home” so she could celebrate her 96th birthday with friends (pictured above). Building community is central to the mission of JFS, and we are proud to have been part of this momentous occasion. Click here to learn more.

And here are a few other important collaborative initiatives to note:

~ Over the last year, JFS coordinated the delivery of over 6,000 Rosh Hashanah and Passover meals to community members in need. Sponsored by CJP, this initiative was only possible with the help of 300 volunteers (including Board Vice President Allison Kates pictured above) and 18 community partners across Massachusetts. Click here to read more.

~ In collaboration with over 10 community partners, JFS took a lead role in coordinating the Indigenous Peoples Day event that was hosted by the Framingham Public Schools (FPS) at the Fuller Middle School. This year’s event focused on acknowledging Nipmuc Nation land, reminding us that “WE ARE ON INDIGENOUS LAND” – we cannot change the past, but what we can do is honor the land, ancestors, and indigenous traditions. Click here to read more.

~ Our Homecare program is expanding. JFS partners with Springwell, Inc. to provide basic personal care and homemaking services to low-income older adults and there are 300+ individuals on the wait list. There is a critical need for compassionate caregivers. No experience required to become a homemaker, starting pay is $18.00/hour. Click here for the job description (o en Español). Share with your networks or apply today and help ensure the safety and wellbeing of these vulnerable community members.

~ JFS also is looking for caring, responsible volunteers to partner with JFS to help our older adult neighbors get to and navigate their medical appointments. Patient Navigator services are in high demand, however we are not able to fulfill all requests at this time because of low volunteer availability. Your help is needed, now more than ever. Click here to learn how you can join the team of JFS Patient Navigators.

Scroll down to learn more about JFS’ work in the community. While the needs are as varied as the people who come to us for help, all of this life saving work is only possible with contributions from donors like you. Over 80% of JFS’s operating budget is funded by philanthropic dollars, and when you give to JFS you can be sure your donation is in good hands because JFS has earned a 100% PERFECT SCORE from Charity Navigator. Less than one-tenth of one percent of charities rated earn a perfect score and you can have confidence that your donation will drive change and make a difference.

And, we are excited to announce that due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, we have a $50K matching unrestricted donation!!! Every dollar donated to JFS will be matched up to $50K! Please help us double the impact of the matching grant to $100K.

Please click here and make a year-end gift now to ensure JFS has the resources it needs to assist the many community members who rely upon JFS for help.  

Thank you for your partnership and trust in our leadership and impact as a Metrowest convener for good.  

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season. 
Lino Covarrubias, CEO
RESETTLEMENT PROJECT UPDATES
Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis

We are actively monitoring the situation and our work in this area is expanding. Click the link below to learn about opportunities to assist in these efforts.

Thank you for your caring, compassion and offers of support. Hope and prayers for the safety of all Ukrainians and peace soon.

MEET THE STAFF
JFS Allies in Aging Team
Team members (clockwise) Eileen Winston, MD, Jennifer Oglesby, MSW, Director Malka Young, LICSW, CCM and Laila Vehvilainen, MS, MPH, NASM-CPT, CDP work together to provide expert guidance and assistance to older adults and their loved ones as they navigate the challenges that come with age.

SAVE THE DATE!
Seize the Dream
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Join us in celebrating this year's honorees:
David and Gail Milowe

and receiving the JFS Max Michelson Humanitarian Award:

Ed E. Zuker and Chestnut Hill Realty (CHR)

Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the Westin Waltham Boston



NEED HELP?
Are you in need of mental health services? 
JFS COMMITTEE ON ANTI-RACISM & FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM
Want to learn what you can do to respond when incidents happen in the community? Sign up to attend a future training and become an Active Bystander.

To learn about upcoming news and events as they occur, like/follow the JFS Committee on Anti-Racism and Fighting Antisemitism social media channels, and CLICK HERE for a list of resources specific to this work.

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!
Interested In Volunteering?

Please complete this short form and a JFS staff member will get back to you.

If you’d like to support this impactful work, please donate!
Patient Navigators Needed!

Join our Patient Navigator team and accompany older adults to medical appointments, easing the stress of the appointment for both the patient and their families.

You’ll help older adults prepare for upcoming medical appointments, serve as a companion at the appointment, facilitate communication between doctor and patient, and take notes during the visit.

Patient Navigator is a flexible volunteer opportunity that can work with your schedule! We ask you to commit to a minimum of 4 appointments per year. All appointments are during weekday, daytime hours.


PROGRAM UPDATES:

ARE YOU A JEWISH PROFESSIONAL LIVING IN METROWEST?
ARE YOU IN YOUR MID TO LATE CAREER?
HAVE YOU LOST YOUR JOB OR HAD YOUR HOURS CUT?

You may be eligible to participate in an employment project developed by JFS and Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) and funded by Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP). Ready for Success (RFS) is designed for active job seekers who have a clear career direction, but need some help with job search activities and landing a job.
Need help with an aging loved one?
JFS Geriatric Care Managers can help.

When you need expert guidance navigating the challenges that come with aging, the elder experts of JFS Allies in Aging can help.
JFS Supports Our Veterans
JFS has a commitment with our partner agencies to ensure
no veteran is left behind.

The holidays can be a difficult time for active service members, Veterans and their families. Click below for information about available programs and resources:


GET INVOLVED
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support JFS of Metrowest every time you shop, at no cost to you! 

When you link your regular Amazon account to AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same prices, selection, and shopping experience that you’re used to, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to JFS!

Give today and partner with JFS to improve the lives of over 7,500 people in our community each year.
Consider a Legacy Gift to JFS of Metrowest

Your concerns and priorities have helped shape JFS today. Your legacy gift will help shape tomorrow.

To ensure that the values and concerns that have inspired your involvement in JFS will endure for generations to come, consider:

- Including JFS in your estate planning -
- Making a gift to JFS as a bequest in a will or trust -
- Designating a gift to the JFS Endowment Fund -

Together, we can maintain the agency’s promise to the community to stand up for those left behind.

ABOUT JFS
DID YOU KNOW THAT...

  • JFS is a multi-year recipient of the 4-star Charity Navigator rating with a 100% PERFECT SCORE! Less than one-tenth of one percent of charities rated earn a perfect score.
  • JFS serves over 7,500 individuals yearly, 40% of which are not Jewish
  • JFS engages over 300 volunteers across 17 programs
  • JFS distributed over 9,000 clothing items for children of low income families in the past year
  • JFS serves 3,500 older adults by increasing access to healthcare and safe aging solutions
  • JFS, in partnership with CJP, distributed 6,000 holiday meals for Passover and Rosh Hashanah
  • JFS resettled over 180 displaced refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine in partnership with local faith organizations
  • JFS works hand in hand with immigrants and families from 60+ countries
  • JFS is a community convener in the areas of bigotry and antisemitism
  • JFS works with over 100 collaborative community partners throughout Massachusetts
  • 80% of JFS' total annual revenue is philanthropic dollars, supported by donors like you!

Partner with JFS and make a meaningful impact in our community.
Thank you to all who partner with JFS to
Accelerate Social, Academic and Health Equity in our community.

Your help is needed - get involved today!
JFS of Metrowest | 508-875-3100 | info@jfsmw.org | JFSMW.org